The Wonders of the Coconut

In the Philippines, the coconut is part of our everyday lives. Every part of the coconut tree is of some use to us, from the leaves to the roots. But, perhaps, the most important contribution of the coconut to us is its health benefits. In every street corner of the Philippines, the coconut is sold by street vendors. We love to drink coconut water because it is not only refreshing but gives us an immediate energy boost. Coconut water contains lauric acid which our body turns into monolaurin. Monolaurin is important to the body because it inactivates pathogens. (Pathogens are infectious agents that cause disease or illness to their host.) Some of the pathogens that are rendered ineffective by monolaurin are the HIV virus, measles, herpes and simplex virus. A rich lauric acid diet contains about 24 gms. of lauric acid daily for average adults. That is equal to 3.5 tablespoonfuls of coconut oil (extracted from coconut meat) or 10 oz. of pure coconut milk. If you would rather eat the meat, about 7 oz. would contain the 24 gms. of lauric acid needed by our bodies.

Coconut water is very much like mineral water. It contains enough vitamin C to meet the daily requirements of our body. It also contains vitamins in the B group, such as niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, riboflavin, folic acid, and thiamin. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, sulfur and chloride. Coconut water is a good way of combating dehydration and electrolyte depletion. In fact, in some cases, it is used in place of IV fluids when these are not available. If you mix 8-12 oz. of coconut water with a teaspoon of fresh lime juice, you can effectively cure cholera if it is administered daily to the patient. It rectifies electrolyte balance and neutralizes acidosis of the blood. That is why intake of coconut water is a must for cholera patients. It is also a valuable cure of urinary disorders. It is a natural diuretic in heart, liver and kidney disorders. In fact, whenever I contract urinary tract infection (UTI), my mother makes me drink gallons of coconut water. I don't have to buy expensive drugs because coconut water is not only effective but also gives fast relief. Coconut water is also an excellent remedy for vomiting and dyspepsia.

A tablespoon of the freshly ground coconut taken at breakfast followed by castor oil after 3 hrs. is an effective remedy for intestinal worms. The meat of the young coconut treats digestive system disorders such as indigestion, colitis, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery. The red-hot shell of the ripe nut is an effective household remedy for ringworm, itch and other skin disorders. Coconut oil (extracted from the flesh of the ripe nut) is an effective dressing for burns and scalds. It also reduces the acid secretion of the stomach. The fats in coconut oil are easily digested, absorbed and put to use in nourishing the body. These fats, which belong to the category of medium-chain fatty acids, require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion. They are quickly digested and with minimal effort. They are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver where they are burned as fuel, pretty much like a carbohydrate. Therefore, they act more like carbohydrates than fats. Medium-chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil are unique because they can easily permeate the two membranes surrounding the mitochondria without the need of enzymes, so that they provide the cell with a quick and efficient source of energy. Eating foods which contain MCFAs is like putting high octane fuel into your car. With MCFAs, your body performs better because it has more energy and greater endurance. EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH. ADD COCONUT TO YOUR DIET.